SOME WITCHES NEED HELP TO BE THEMSELVES
Lindsay Squire, 37, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has more than 470,000 followers on Instagram and Facebook (@thewitchoftheforest) and is the author of Natural Magick
I began my witchcraft journey at 22. At the time, I was a “witch in the broom closet” where I stayed for 10 years because of Christian family members.
I started my Instagram account in 2012 as an anonymous way to explore the craft.
Social media has played a huge role in my magical journey. It’s given me a safe place to express myself, meet like-minded people and learn about the craft in a discreet way.
But four years ago, after a relationship break-up and move back home to Yorkshire, I felt able to come out as a witch.
My Instagram feed changed from posting snapshots relating to the craft to content about my own practice and beliefs.
It felt liberating to be my true self.
I understand how hard it is to hide the magical part of yourself from the people around you. This is why I want to help
other witches who don’t have the option to come out of the broom closet to practise their craft in a way that’s both fulfilling and subtle.
For example, there are so many ways to perform magic that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye. On Halloween, you can honour a loved one by placing their photograph on your mantlepiece with some flowers, and lighting a candle to create a little altar.
Crystals are another magical tool. You can tuck an amazonite crystal in your bra when going for a job interview to help with nerves, or pop a black obsidian in your pocket to ward off negative energy.
Over the years, Instagram and Facebook have helped me to meet wonderful people. But social media can give the impression that to be a witch you must wear black, have a cauldron and a candle of every colour – this isn’t true.
Being a witch is more than your tools or the clothes you wear. It’s the power and focus of your intention that matters.
Some don’t feel able to come out of the broom closet